Bag Filling And Support Stand

ABSTRACT

The instant invention describes a bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag. The device comprises support structures which are coupled to a funnel member through a funnel support member. The funnel member is constructed and arranged to traverse between a bag filling resting position and a bag inserting position. Coupled to the support legs via the funnel support member are bag fastening members. The bag fastening members are constructed and arranged to hold differently sized storage bags in a fixed position as the user places the solid or liquid food within the bags. The unique construction of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag provides for a device that allows filling of a storage bag without contaminating the bag or the surrounding area.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to the U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/350,737, filed Jun. 2, 2010,entitled, “Bag Filling and Support Stand”, which is now incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for filling bags andmore specifically to a stand for retaining and supporting a bag while itis being filled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous devices have been proposed in the prior art with the purpose ofretaining and supporting bags for filling with various items, such asfood. The dramatic increase in the cost of food has resulted in manyfamilies buying food in bulk or larger quantities to save money. Withthe rise in popularity of warehouse club stores such as Costco andSam's, buying in bulk has never been easier for the consumer. Whilepurchasing large quantities of food items has been made simpler, to becost effective such food items must be properly stored. After the foodhas been brought home, it must be divided into smaller portions for use.The most convenient container in which to store these portions is alocking type bag. These bags readily conform to the objects that arestored therein. They are readily lockable and sealable so as to preservethe food stored therein.

However, one of the problems with these storage bags is holding the bagopen while it is being filled with food or other items. Normally anindividual must try to hold the bag open with one hand while they placethe food into the bag with the other hand. This is not always anoperation that is easy to perform. If performed incorrectly, food isspilled, contaminating the storage bag and surrounding area. Thisresults in both wasted time cleaning up the mess, and a reduction incosts savings as a portion of the food to be stored is wasted. A numberof solutions to this problem have been proposed in the prior art. Theseproposed solutions usually involve a device which retains the bag in asubstantially vertical position and includes various means to hold thebag open while it is being filled. This enables the individual to useboth hands to fill the bag.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Numerous bag holding or filling devices are known in the prior art. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,567 discloses a holder for a locking typeof bag which includes two supports provided with clips. The bag issecured to the clips which retain the bag in an open position. Thisenables an individual to use-both hands to fill the bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,549 discloses a bag support stand which is used tosupport a flexible bag in an upright open position. The support standincludes height and width adjustments to accommodate different sizes ofbags.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,278 discloses a device for supporting and holding aflexible bag, such as a freezing bag, in an upright position for fillingthe bag. The bag support includes upright sides which permit the opentop portion of the bag to be cuffed over the tops of the upright sides.This arrangement provides an open top portion of the bag for filling. Aninsert is provided which is placed between the upright sides of the bagsupport and the interior of the bag. This directs items to be placedinto the bag without spilling over the edges of the bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,787 discloses a bag holder for supporting an openend of a flexible bag in an open position for filling the bag. The bagholder includes a substantially circular ring supported by three legs.The open end of the bag is placed over the top of the circular ring andfolded back thereon. A retaining means, in the form of a string, securesthe flexible bag to the ring.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,697 discloses a bag holder for supporting an openend of a flexible bag in an open position for filling the bag. The bagholder includes a substantially circular ring supported by three legs.The open end of the bag is placed over the top of the circular ring andfolded back thereon. A retaining ring in placed within the ring andsecures the bag to the ring in an open position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,196,880 discloses a generally rectangular frame madefrom two generally U-shaped frame sections secured together. Thecompleted frame is removably mounted to a wall or other support surface.A flexible bag is secured to the rectangular frame with the open end ofthe bag secured to the frame. The frame retains the bag in a positionwhich enables it to be readily filled.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,771,752 discloses a refuse bag holder which includes acircular ring supported by four vertical legs. The open end of the bagis placed over the top of the circular ring and folded back thereon. Aplurality of clasps secure the open end of the bag to the vertical legsthereby retaining the bag in an open position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention describes a bag filling device with supportstructure for retaining a bag. The device comprises at least one supportstructure which is coupled to a material channeling support member. Thesupport structure is configured to provide upright support for the bagfilling device. The device further comprises a material channelingmember for directing the placement of a material to a predeterminedplace. The material channeling member, preferably a funnel member, isconstructed and arranged to traverse between a non-filling, baginserting position and a bag filling position. Coupled to the supportlegs via the funnel support member are bag fastening members. The bagfastening members are constructed and arranged to hold differently sizedstorage bags in a fixed position as the user places the solid or liquidfood within the bags. The unique construction of the bag filling devicewith support structure for retaining a bag provides for a device thatallows filling of a storage bag without contaminating the bag or thesurrounding area. Once the bag is filled, the storage bag can be sealedwhile the bag remains secured to the device. Because the bag does notneed to be removed from the device prior to sealing, spilling of thecontents in the bag as it is being sealed is greatly reduced if noteliminated. The bag filling device with support structure for retaininga bag according to the instant invention is also constructed andarranged to fold into a compact position for storage.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide abag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a bagfilling device with support structure for retaining a bag in which thedevice further contains a material channeling member, preferably afunnel member, for directing the placement of materials, such as food,into a storage bag.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a bagfilling device with support structure for retaining a bag which containsa funnel member which can be traversed between a non-filling, baginsertion position, and a bag filling position.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a bagfilling device with support structure for retaining a bag which can becompacted for easy storage.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a bagfilling device with support structure for retaining a bag which isconstructed and arranged to accommodate differently sized bags.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a bagfilling device with support structure for retaining a bag which can besecured to a counter top or kitchen table surface.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a bagfilling device with support structure for retaining a bag which can beloaded with food while the support structure is in a vertical orhorizontal position.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with any accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained hereinconstitute a part of this specification and include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the bag filling device with supportstructure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the bag filling device with support structurefor retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the bag filling device with support structurefor retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the bag filling device with supportstructure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the bag filling device with supportstructure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the bag filling device with support structurefor retaining a bag of the instant invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the bag filling device with support structurefor retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bag filling device with supportstructure for retaining a bag of the present invention in the baginserting position;

FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of the bag filling device withsupport structure for retaining a bag of the present invention,illustrating attachment of the second bag holding fastener members;

FIG. 10A is an alternative embodiment of the bag filling device withsupport structure for retaining a bag of the present invention,illustrating attachment of the second bag holding fastener membersthrough telescoping arms;

FIG. 10B is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of the funnelsupport member shown with a bag holding fastener slidably coupled to thefunnel support member and placed in a first position;

FIG. 10C is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of the funnelsupport member shown with a bag holding fastener slidably coupled to thefunnel support member and placed in a second position;

FIG. 11 is a view of the bag filling device with support structure forretaining a bag of the present invention in a compact configuration;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thebag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the embodiment of the bag filling device withsupport structure for retaining a bag illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the embodiment of the bag filling device withsupport structure for retaining a bag illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thebag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the bag filling devicewith support structure for retaining a bag illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a view of the bag filling device with support structure forretaining a bag illustrated in FIG. 15, shown in a partial compactconfiguration;

FIG. 18 is a view of the bag filling device with support structure forretaining a bag illustrated in FIG. 15, shown in a compactconfiguration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in variousforms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be describeda presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered anexemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limitthe invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, in which similar reference characters denotesimilar elements throughout the several views, the bag filling device 10with support structure for retaining a bag of the instant invention isillustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bag filling device 10 withsupport structure for retaining a bag comprises support structures 12,14, a material channeling member for directing the placement of amaterial, such as a liquid food, solid and/or dry food, or combinationsthereof, to a pre- determined location, illustrated herein as a funnel78, and a material channeling member support member, illustrated hereinas a funnel support member 90. The support structure 12 contains a firstend 16 and a second end 18. Emanating downwardly from the first end 16are two support legs 20 and 22. The support leg 20 contains two sidewalls 24 and 26 separating a front wall 28. The support leg 22 comprisestwo side walls 30 and 32 secured to a front wall 34. Each of the supportlegs 20 and 22 can be constructed of a solid material. However, in apreferred embodiment, the support legs 20 and 22 are hollow and do notcontain a back side wall. In such a construction, the support legsprovide structural support, but production times and production costsare substantially reduced.

The support legs 20 and 22 can be constructed and arranged to divergefrom a top wall 36 and terminate at a bottom wall 38. The top wall 36contains a top surface 40 and side walls 42 and 43. The top wall 36interconnects the support legs 20 and 22 at the first end 16. The bottomwall 38 contains a front panel 44 and a top panel 46 and interconnectsthe support legs 20 and 22 at the second end 18. In a preferredembodiment, both the top wall 36 and bottom wall 38 contain hollowsections and do not include a back side wall. While the support legs 20and 22 are illustrated as diverging from the first end 16 to form agenerally triangular shape, such shape is illustrative only. The bagfilling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10 could bedesigned to contain side walls that are substantially parallel inarrangement relative to each other, thus forming a square or rectangularshape.

The support structure 14 is constructed in a similar manner, comprisinga first end 48 and a second end 50. Emanating downwardly from the firstend 48 are two support legs 52 and 54. The support leg 52 contains twoside walls 56 and 58 separating a front wall 60, see FIG. 1 and FIG. 6.The support leg 54 comprises two side walls 62 and 64 secured to a frontwall 66, see FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. Each of the support legs 52 and 54 canbe constructed of a solid material. However, in a preferred embodiment,the support legs 52 and 54 are hollow and do not contain a back wall. Insuch a construction, the side walls provide structural support, butproduction times and costs are substantially reduced.

The support legs 52 and 54 can be constructed and arranged to divergefrom a top wall 68 and terminate at a bottom wall 70. The top wall 68contains a top surface 72 and side walls 74 and 75. The top wall 68interconnects the support legs 52 and 54 at the first end 16. The bottomwall 70 contains a front wall 76 and a top wall 77 and interconnects thesupport legs 52 and 54 at the second end 18. In a preferred embodiment,both the top wall 68 and bottom wall 70 contain hollow sections and donot include a back side wall. As illustrated, the support legs 52 and 54diverge from the first end 48 to form a generally triangular shape.However, such shape is illustrative only and the bag filling device withsupport structure for retaining a bag 10 could be designed to containsupport legs that are substantially parallel in arrangement relative toeach other, thus forming a square or rectangular shape.

Support structures 12 and 14 can be permanently fixed in a desiredposition, or preferably may contain pins 79 and 81 respectively, suchthat the support structures 12 and 14 can be folded inward and stored ina compact, storage position, see FIG. 11. As the support structure 12 isopened and pushed outward, it is secured into a locking position throughcontact of the top surface 40 of top wall 36 with a portion ofattachment end 106, to be described later. As the support structure 14is opened and pushed outward, it is secured into a locking positionthrough contact of the top surface 72 of top wall 68 with a portion ofattachment end 108, to be described later. By varying the slope orangular positioning of the top surfaces 40 and 72, the angularpositioning of the support structures 12 and 14 can be varied.

The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10also contains a funnel member 78. The funnel member 78 contains a topsurface 80 and a side wall 82 having an outer surface 84 and an innersurface 86. The funnel member side wall 82 radiates in a downwarddirection from the top surface 80. The funnel member 78 contains opening88 to provide a passageway for a variety of materials, such as liquid orsolid foods. The funnel member 78 is coupled to a funnel support member90 through attachment member 92, see FIG. 3, such that funnel member 78can be traversed between a bag-filling position, FIG. 1, and anon-filling, bag insertion position, FIG. 8. In an illustrativeembodiment, the attachment member 92 contains a hinge plate 94 which isattached to a portion of the funnel member 78, see FIG. 3.

The hinge plate 94 contains upwardly curved elements 96 and 98 which areconstructed and arranged to receive a rod member 100 attached to thefunnel support member 90. Traversal between the bag filling position,i.e. the funnel member 78 rests in a parallel position relative to theground, and the non-filling, bag inserting position, i.e. the funnelmember 78 is rotated upwards and rests in a perpendicular positionrelative to the ground, therefore, can be accomplished by rotating thefunnel member 78 about rod member 100. The funnel member can be designedin various sizes to accommodate differently sized and shaped finablebags or to accommodate differently sized and shaped containers which areholding the food to be transferred into the bag.

The terminal ends 102 and 104 of the funnel support member 90 providecoupling to the support structure 12 and 14 through attachment ends 106and 108. Coupled to the attachment ends 106 and 108 are bag holdingfasteners 110 and 112. While the bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 canbe any device or means for securing a bag known to one of skill in theart, FIG. 1 illustrates the bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 as springclips similar in construction to clothesline style clips. The bagholding fasteners 110 and 112 can be fixed in place, or alternatively,they can be constructed and arranged to swivel about pins 115 and 116.Each of the bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 include two identicallyshaped members 118 and 120 formed about a spring member 122, see FIGS. 5and 6. The two identically shaped members 118 and 120 contain engagingends 124 and 126, respectively as well as enclosing ends 128 and 130,respectively.

The instant invention provides the advantage of allowing the user theability to safely and easily fill a plastic bag with materials, such asliquid or solid food. In use, the user extends support structures 12 and14 from a folded compact position to an extended open position. Thedevice is then placed on a level surface such as a counter-top orkitchen table. The device 10 can be secured to the surface through theuse of one or more device securing members 132, including, but notlimited to, one or more of suction cups, non-skid pads, or combinationsthereof, placed on the bottom surfaces of walls 38 and 70 illustrated inFIG. 7. Once properly secured, the user places the funnel member 78 intothe bag inserting position by simply rotating the funnel member 78 in anupward direction about the attachment member 92 such that the funnelmember 78 rests at a position that is perpendicular to the ground, seeFIG. 10. Bag 114 is inserted into the bag filling device with supportstructure for retaining a bag 10 by squeezing and holding the engagingends 124 and 126 of the two identically shaped members 118 and 120 ofthe bag holding fasteners 110 and 112. This action separates theenclosing ends 128 and 130.

The user inserts the bag within the separated enclosing ends 128 and 130and releases the grip of the engaging ends 124 and 126. Upon release,the enclosing ends snap together about the portion of storage bag 114.Once in place, the funnel member 78 is placed into the bag fillingposition by rotating the funnel member 78 in a downward position suchthat the funnel member 78 is in a parallel relationship with the ground.As the funnel member 78 is rotated downward, the user aligns the sidewall 82 within the bag 114 such that the outer surface 84 aligns withthe inner surface of the bag 114. The user simply pours the materials tobe stored in the bag through the opening 88 of the funnel member 78.Once the bag is filled to the desired level, the funnel member is simplyrotated back to the non-filling, bag insertion position. Because the bagremains engaged with the bag holding fasteners 110 and 112, the user canseal the bag without the need to remove the bag from the device. Thefunnel member 78 may be designed such that when it is aligned with thestorage bag, it has a length that extends past any sealing mechanismcontained on the bag such that when the bag is being filled with amaterial, no residue from the material contacts the locking mechanism,thereby ensuring that the bag can be properly sealed. In certainsituations, the user may desire not to make use of the funnel member 78or may prefer to attach the bag onto the fastening elements without thefunnel member 78. In either case, the user can simply remove the funnelmember 78 from funnel support member 90 and reattach when desirable.Once the user completes the filling task, the bag filling device withsupport structure for retaining a bag 10 can be compacted by folding thesupport structures 12 and 14 inwardly toward the funnel member 78.

In an alternative loading procedure, the device can be turned on itsside in order to load the materials to be stored within the bag by usingvarious kitchen tools, such as a spatula. When turned on its side, theside wall 30 of support member 12 and side wall 64 of support structure14 engage the surface of the counter-top or kitchen table surface. Thefunnel member 78 can be placed in the loading position as describedpreviously. Alternatively, since the device is resting on its side, aportion of the outer surface 80′ of the funnel member 78 rests on theground or counter top. A bag 114 can be placed onto the bag holdingfasteners 110 and 112 as described above. The user simply places thematerials to be stored in the bag through the opening 88 of the funnelmember 78. Once the bag is filled to the desired level, the bag can besealed shut or the device can be lifted in the upright position andsealed.

FIGS. 9 and 10A illustrate alternative embodiments of the bag fillingdevice with support structure for retaining a bag 10. Referring to FIG.9, the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10includes at least one, and preferably two, second bag holding fastenermembers 134 and 136. The second bag holding fasteners members 134 and136 are coupled to the first bag holding fasteners member 110 and 112 byway of arms 138 and 140. This embodiment allows attachment ofmulti-sized bags to the device. For instance, should the user need tofill a large plastic bag, such as a 1 gallon sized ZIPLOC® bag, the bagis simply attached to bag holding fasteners 110 and 112. If the userneeds to fill a smaller quart sized ZIPLOC® bag, the user simply rotatesbag holding fasteners 110 and 112 a desired distance, such as 90degrees, such that the second bag holding fasteners members 134 and 136are aligned with and can grip a portion of the smaller sized, plasticstorage bags. FIG. 10A illustrates an alternative embodiment in whichthe second bag holding fasteners members 134 and 136 are coupled toattachment ends 106 and 108 by telescoping arms 142 and 144. Attachmentends 106 and 108 may be fixed in place or may be designed to swivel.While the second bag holding fasteners members are illustrated in acoupling engagement with attachment ends 106 and 108, it is within thescope of the invention to include direct coupling of the second bagholding fasteners members to a portion of the first bag holdingfasteners 110 and 112 through slidable arms or telescoping arms.

Alternatively, the bag filling device with support structure forretaining a bag 10 can contain bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 whichare in slidable engagement with the funnel support member 90. Referringto FIG. 10B, a partial view of the funnel support member is shown,illustrating a sliding member 145 with the bag holding fastener 110coupled to the funnel support member 90 at or near the terminal end 102.The sliding member 145 provides the user an alternative mechanism to usethe bag filling device 10 with different sized bags. For a larger bag,the user attaches the bag to the bag holding fastener 110 while in afirst position, illustrated in FIG. 10B. To attach a different bag, i.e.a smaller size, the user simply moves the sliding member 145, which isresting in the first position, by sliding it in the direction of thearrow 147 to a second position, illustrated FIG. 10C. Once in thisposition, the bag can be attached to the bag holding fastener 110. Inthe second position, the bag holding fastener 110 is situated closer tothe funnel member 78.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bag fillingdevice with support structure for retaining a bag, generally referred toas 210. The bag filling device 210 has similar features as the bagfiling device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the bag filling device 210comprises support structures 212 and 214, a material channeling memberfor directing the placement of a material, such as a liquid food, solidand/or dry food, or combinations thereof, to a pre-determined location,illustrated herein as a funnel member 216, and a material channelingsupport member, illustrated herein as a funnel support member 218. Thesupport structure 212 contains a first end 220 which is coupled to thefunnel support member 218, a second end 222 having a foot-like supportstructure 224, and an elongated member 226 there between. The foot-likesupport structure 224 is designed to provide the bag filling device 210the ability to remain in an upright, stable configuration when restingon a surface. The foot-like support structure 224 may also contain oneor more slip resistant features, such as suction cups or pads (notshown) which prevents the device 210 from moving when resting on thesurface and/or when being filled with materials. The support structure214 contains a first end 228 which is coupled to the funnel supportmember 218, a second end 230 having a foot-like support structure 232,and an elongated member 234 there between. The foot-like supportstructure 232 is designed to provide the bag filling device 210 theability to remain in an upright, stable configuration when resting on asurface. The foot-like support structure 232 may also contain one ormore slip resistant features, such as suction cups or pads (not shown)which prevents the device 210 from moving when resting on the surfaceand/or when being filled with a material. Both support structures 212and 214 are preferably hingedly attached to the funnel support member218.

The bag filling device 210 also contains a materials passage member,illustrated herein as a funnel member 216. The funnel member 216 ispreferably configured in the same manner as the funnel member 78. Thefunnel member 216 is sized and shaped to allow the user the ability totransfer materials, such as liquids, foods, or other objects, from theoutside to a storage device, such as bag, which is attached (not shown)in a similar manner as described previously. The funnel member 216 isillustrated in a generally oval shape with a continuous wall 236radiating downward from the upper surface 238. However, any shape whichallows the user the ability to transfer such materials into an attachedbag can be used. While the funnel member 216 can be secured to thefunnel support member 218 in a fixed position, it is preferable that thefunnel member can traverse between several positions (bag fillingposition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and a non-filling, bag insertionposition, as illustrated in FIG. 8) and can be easily removed.Accordingly, the funnel member 216 is coupled to the funnel supportmember 218 in a pivotable manner, such as described for the bag fillingdevice 10 or any other means which provides a traversable and removableconnection.

The funnel support member 218 contains a top surface 240 (see FIG. 14)and a bottom surface (not illustrated). The funnel support member 218can be constructed as a single unit 242 having a first end 244 and asecond end 246. Each of the ends 244 and 246 contain bag holdingfasteners 248 and 250. The bag holding fasteners 248 and 250 may beconfigured to be fixed in place or to be pivotable. The funnel supportmember 218 may also contain a surface 252 which is contoured to fit orapproximate the shape of the funnel member 216 such that the funnelmember 216 is positioned between the bag holding fasteners 248 and 250.In an alternative embodiment, the funnel support member 218 can beconstructed in such a manner that the first end 244 and/or the secondend 246 can move relative to each other.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bag fillingdevice with support structure for retaining a bag, generally referred toas 310. The bag filling device has similar features as the bag fillingdevice 210. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the bag filling device 310comprises support structures 312 and 314, a funnel member 316, and afunnel support structure 318. Each of the support structures 312 and 314have the same features as described above for support structures 212 and214. The funnel member 316 contains the same features as describedpreviously for funnels 78 and 218. The funnel support member 318contains similar features as described for funnel member 218, butdiffers primarily in that funnel support member provides extensioncapability, thereby allowing for attachment of variously sized bags.Both support structures 312 and 314 contain first ends 322 and 324 whichare hingedly coupled to the inner surface 320 and are positioned withina hollowed portion 326 of the funnel support member 318. This allowssupport structures 312 and 314 to fold inwardly and be secured withinthe funnel support member 318 in a storage position. As illustrated inFIG. 17, the hinged coupling of the support structure 312 allows it tobe rotated or pushed inwardly and rest within funnel support member 318.Once placed in such a position, the support structure 314 can be rotatedor pushed inwardly in which it rests within funnel support member 318,see FIG. 18. Cut out sections 328 and 330 are sized and shaped toprovide for a portion of the support structures 312 and 314 to besecured within.

The funnel support member 318 further contains a first portion 332 and asecond portion 334. The first portion 332 and 334 are slidably coupledso that the distance between bag fastening members 336 and 338 can bevaried to accommodate different sized bags (i.e. quart sized and gallonsized storage bags) to be attached to the device 310. The first portion332 and second portion 334 may be secured together through the use of aconnecting member 340 which is constructed to allow for the slidablemovement of each portion 332 and 334. The connecting member 340 maycomprises a first plate resting along the outer surface 342, and plate344, positioned along surface 346, and plate 348, positioned along theback surface 350 of the funnel support member 318. Also attached to theback surface 350 is a cylindrical bar 352 which provides the funnelmember hinged attachment to the funnel support member. The bag fillingdevice 310, as well as each of the other embodiments described herein,may optionally contain devices, such as clips or hollowed portions,which allow funnels of different sizes to be stored within the device.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification areindicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporatedby reference to the same extent as if each individual publication wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figuresincluded herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag comprising: at least one support structure coupled to a material channeling support member, said support structure configured to provide upright support for the bag filling device; a material channeling member for directing the placement of a material to a pre-determined location; a material channeling support member, said support member sized and shaped to couple to said material channeling member; and a plurality of first bag fastening members for securing a bag to said device, said fastening members coupled to said material channeling support member, wherein fastening of a bag to said bag fastening members secures said bag to said device in a vertical filling position.
 2. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein said first bag fastening members is rotatable.
 3. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein said first bag fastening members are slidably coupled to said material channeling support member.
 4. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein each said plurality of first bag fastening members contains a second bag fastening member, said second bag fastening member separated from said first bag holding members by a predetermined distance.
 5. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 4 wherein said second bag fastening member is coupled to said first bag holding members through a telescoping arm.
 6. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein said material channeling member is hingedly coupled to said material channeling support member.
 7. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein said at least one support member is hingedly coupled to said material channeling support member.
 8. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein said material channeling support member contains a first end slidably engaged with a second end.
 9. A bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag comprising: a first support structure coupled to a first end of a funnel support member, said first support structure configured to provide upright support for the bag filling device; a second support structure support structure coupled to a second end of a funnel support member, said second support structure configured to provide upright support for said bag filling device; a funnel member sized and shaped for directing the placement of a material to a pre-determined location; a funnel support member, said support member having a first end and a second end, said funnel support member being sized and shaped to couple with said funnel member; a first bag fastening member for securing a bag to said device, said first fastening member coupled to said first end of said funnel support member, and a second bag fastening member for securing a bag to said device, said second fastening member coupled to said second end of said funnel support member; wherein fastening of a bag to said first and second bag fastening members secures said bag to said device in a vertical position.
 10. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said first bag fastening member and said second bag fastening member are rotatable.
 11. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein each of said bag fastening members are slidably coupled to said of said funnel support member.
 12. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 10 wherein said first bag fastening member contains a third bag fastening member, said third bag fastening member separated from said first bag fastening member by a predetermined distance, and said second bag fastening member contains a fourth bag fastening member, said fourth bag fastening member separated from said second bag fastening member by a predetermined distance.
 13. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 12 wherein said third bag fastening member is coupled to said first bag fastening member through a first arm, and said fourth bag fastening member is coupled to said second bag fastening member through a second arm.
 14. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 13 wherein said first arm and said second arm are telescoping.
 15. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said funnel member is hingedly coupled to said funnel member support.
 16. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said first and second support structures are hingedly coupled to said funnel sport structure, wherein said hinged coupling provides said first and second support structures inward folding.
 17. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said first end of said funnel support member is slidably engaged with said second end of said funnel support member, wherein sliding said first end relative to said second end provides varying pre-determined distances between said first and said second fastening members.
 18. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 16 wherein said funnel support member is adapted to store said hinged support structures when said support structures are placed in a storage position.
 19. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said funnel member is sized to extend past the sealing structures of said bag when said bag is attached to said bag fastening members.
 20. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said support structures further comprise a suction cup, a non-skid pad, or combinations thereof. 